Letters

Point of principle

PHILIP Roe (Letters, February 24) tells us that as an employee he rued the closed shop rule imposed by the union, and I believe him.

I am equally convinced that Mr Roe, if freed of union membership, would have forfeited any gains in pay, conditions and holidays that collective bargaining would bring. Just as a matter of principle, you understand.

Comments (2)

I know Dave Barker's letter is tongue in cheek, but it makes an important point.
Many employers were happy with collective bargaining where the union could speak on behalf of the whole workforce, and the interests of workers was represented by a capable professional backed by the resopurces of a union.

However in my experience there were always a couple of people who selfishly undermined the process. I think some of them were under the mistaken impression that management would regard them as the most loyal workers. Loyal that is to management rather than their colleagues.
As Dave Fern indicates, they never refused to take the pay increases and benefits won and paid for by others.

Usually these are the same people who moan about people using the health service without making payments, or claiming benefits without having paid contributions.

I know Dave Barker's letter is tongue in cheek, but it makes an important point.
Many employers were happy with collective bargaining where the union could speak on behalf of the whole workforce, and the interests of workers was represented by a capable professional backed by the resopurces of a union.
However in my experience there were always a couple of people who selfishly undermined the process. I think some of them were under the mistaken impression that management would regard them as the most loyal workers. Loyal that is to management rather than their colleagues.
As Dave Fern indicates, they never refused to take the pay increases and benefits won and paid for by others.
Usually these are the same people who moan about people using the health service without making payments, or claiming benefits without having paid contributions.Jonthan